fixing rubrail

[Bigfun]

Hello, the flexible rubrail has pulled out of the plastic sleeve. The plastic sleeve is screwed to the boat and the flexible vinyl part that slides into the plastic sleeve has shrunk and pulled out of the sleeve at the inside corners of the bow pulpit and one of the stern corners.
What is the recommended fix?
The rubrail is in good shape except for this problem.
If i heat/stretch it back in place it seems to me that it would pull out again with the changing temps.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: fixing rubrail

You can buy replacement rubrail...the whole kaboodle, or just the rubber insert. Check the iboats mall...it can get as spendy as you want.

 

[bustermin]

Re: fixing rubrail

I had the same problem with one of my older boats; I removed the plastic/rubber insert and replaced it with (marine grade) rope. The type of rub rail I had, used a round insert. I found a rope diameter that would fit and lock in, and I had no problems with it after that. It looked good and was inexpensive to replace if I ever had a problem. As for repairing what you have, I am not sure. I would think if you heat it and stretched it should stay but no guarantees, maybe some type of adhesive to aid holding it in place.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: fixing rubrail

I've seen rub rails rehabbed with rope insert...they look pretty sharp. Did you have to secure the rope in the rail with adhesive or some other method? I'm facing the same job sometime in the future.

 

[bustermin]

Re: fixing rubrail

I've seen rub rails rehabbed with rope insert...they look pretty sharp. Did you have to secure the rope in the rail with adhesive or some other method? I'm facing the same job sometime in the future.

No, I did not use an adhesive of any kind. On my R/R there was a piece on the transom where the R/R terminated and I removed the little finish cover and there was a screw to hold the insert in place and I reinstalled the rope using the same screw (I used some fishing line to wrap around the ends of the rope to keep it from fraying or unraveling which was unseen since it was under the finish covers). The exterior part of the R/R held the rope in so I did not need any type of adhesive. I used it like that for 5 years with no problem and it still look the same when I sold the boat as it did when I first replaced it.